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Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd was selected as a priority site under Denbighshire County Council’s Natural Flood Management (NFM) programme due to repeated flooding affecting three residential properties.
Beyond flood mitigation, the project faces significant ecological challenges, including the presence of badger setts and mature oak trees, both requiring strict compliance with legislation.
The team adopted a phased approach to balance engineering objectives with ecological responsibilities. Early engagement with landowners built trust and facilitated the co-design of solutions.
Ecological surveys were scheduled to identify sensitive habitats, and monitoring equipment was installed to establish a pre-intervention baseline.
The design was split into two phases to align with funding windows and allow time for obtaining licenses for badger exclusion and implementing tree protection measures.
Phase I (2024/2025): Delivered under the Accelerator Programme, Phase I included a bunded flood storage area, two leaky dams, and a swale system to manage overland flows.
Phase II (Winter 2025/6): Planned works involve extending the bund and creating a wetland pond. Ecological constraints required a redesign to protect two mature oak trees and manage badger activity.
Badger Exclusion: A licensed plan uses one-way gates and electric fencing to keep badgers out of the works area. The site is checked every three days for visual indicators of activity, and cameras reviewed every 48 hours. After 21 days with no re-entry, permanent closure is allowed. Detailed logs and photographic evidence are maintained throughout.
Tree Preservation: Compliance with BS5837:2012 is ensured through measures such as banning excavation within 5m of the oaks, using geogrid to prevent compaction, and mulching after works. Exposed roots will be covered with damp hessian, hazardous materials kept 10m from the Root Protection Area, and regular inspections by the Tree Officer will maintain compliance.
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